membranophone

A membranophone, in the Hornbostel-Sachs
classification system, is an instrument that produces sound through the
vibrations of a membrane. Membranophones, in some form, have existed for
more than 4,000 years. Usually a membranophone is a drum which makes a sound
when the membrane is hit by hands or sticks. Some drums can be set to different
pitches by tightening or loosing the tension on the skin.

Friction drums, in which the membrane vibrates when a string is pulled
through it, the membrane is not struck.

Vessel drums, in which a membrane is stretched across a vessel such
as the kettledrum.

Tubular drums, in which a membrane is stretched over one or both ends
of a tubular form. Tubular drums are often classified by the shape of
their body:

· Barrel: a drum with bulging sides such as the conga.
· Conical: a drum whose head is larger than its base.
· Cylindrical: a drum with a long, narrow body and straight, even
sides, like the timbales.
· Waisted: a drum that is narrower in the center than at both ends.
· Goblet: a drum that stands on a narrow base.
· Footed: a drum with feet carved from its body.
· Long: a drum whose length significantly exceeds its diameter.

Kazoos are also considered among the membranophones
because the sounds they generate are the result of a vibrating membrane
stretched. This places in a class of instruments known as mirlitons.